Visit Montgomery Highlights Local Events For Memorial Day Weekend and Beyond

• Memorial Day Weekend: We've gathered fun events and ideas for things to do with family and friends during Memorial Day Weekend. Pools are opening, summer concerts are going to get into full swing and more. There's the Hometown Holidays Music Fest in Rockville and Flags for Our Heroes in Gaithersburg.
• Go MoCo Month: With May coming to a close, we still want to get residents out and about exploring in their own County. We have a giveaway going with people checking in to participating locations on the VisitMoCo App. Once they check in, they will be entered to win up to $700 in giveaways, including tickets to Adventure Park Sandy Spring, a shopping spree at The Covered Market and dinner at Cooper's Mill in Bethesda. There are also custom itineraries made that people can follow or mix and match to suit their fun!.
• WorldPride DC: This is the 50th anniversary of WorldPride, and they're celebrating in the nation's capital. Residents and visitors can take take a step back from the hustle and bustle and enjoy more Pride events in Montgomery County. 
• Where to Celebrate Pride Outside of Washington, DC: Speaking of pride, we're rounding up Pride events in the County that are inclusive to all.

Two Flavorful Events, One Great Location

The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase is a two-day event at the Hilton Rockville on March 30 and 31, where food enthusiasts and industry professionals come together to explore the latest culinary innovations. This year's showcase features two distinct events, each designed for a different audience.

Day 1: Consumer Expo – 11 a.m-5 p.m., Sunday, March 30

The consumer expo invites food lovers to discover the best of the region's culinary talent. Over 90 local businesses will be participating, including breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants and bakeries. Attendees can enjoy food and beverage tastings (included in the ticket price), learn about regional products, and engage in interactive experiences. Guests can also purchase items to take home.
Tickets: $20 online | $30 at the door

Day 2: Hospitality Conference – 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, March 31
This event is for professionals in the restaurant, hotel and other hospitality industries. The conference celebrates the area's diversity, inspires entrepreneurship, and provides opportunities for peer networking. The agenda features keynote speaker Seth Goldman (Just Ice Tea & Eat the Change), breakout sessions on hospitality trends, student-to-business forums and peer-to-peer discussions.

Tickets: $20 online | $30 at the door

Get Your Tickets Now!
Proceeds from the event benefit the Foundation for Hospitality and Restaurant Management, which provides scholarships for MCPS students pursuing careers in hospitality. Discounted ticket packages are available for attendees attending both days.

https://visitmontgomery.com/moco-eats-showcase/

Where to Watch the NFL Playoff Games on Sunday, Jan. 26

For the professional football fans in the community, Visit Montgomery has compiled a list of places where you can enjoy watching the Sunday, Jan. 26 game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Creek Lodge Bar
5566 Norbeck Road, Rockville

McGinty’s Public House
911 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring

Caddies on Cordell
4922 Cordell Ave., Bethesda

Solaire Social
8200 Dixon Ave., Silver Spring

Quincy’s Potomac Bar and Grille
1093 Seven Locks Road, Potomac

Sports & Social
11800 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda

Yard House
211 Rio Blvd., Gaithersburg

More information is on Visit Montgomery’s website.

Visit Montgomery Launches 2025 ‘MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase’

Visit Montgomery has launched the “2025 MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase” that will be held March 30 and 31, at the Hilton Rockville.

Montgomery County is home to a robust hospitality and tourism sector, serving as a major workforce hub and think tank for the industry. Global leaders such as Marriott International, Ritz Carlton, Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Sodexo all have their headquarters in the County. The County has more than 900 restaurants, 30,000 small businesses and more than one million residents of culturally diverse backgrounds.

The MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase will provide an opportunity for business and consumer connections. The event will bring the food and beverage industry and its suppliers together to learn more about new products, and participate in panel discussions and other educational breakout sessions. The conference agenda will include breakout sessions on topics relative to the needs of the industry, student-to-business open forums and exchanges and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees will be invited to enjoy food and beverage tastings, learn more about local and regional products and purchase items.

"Montgomery County has always been a place where innovation and culture come together, and the MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase is a perfect example of that,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “This event not only celebrates our diverse food scene, but it will also support the local businesses that make our community thrive. I’m excited to see how this showcase will help drive our economy forward by spotlighting the talent and creativity that Montgomery County is known for."

Montgomery College and Montgomery County Public Schools hospitality program students will have a chance to help as volunteers and participate in breakout sessions and cooking demonstrations. Visit Montgomery is collaborating with the Montgomery County Food Council and the Restaurant Association of Maryland for the showcase.

“The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase not only celebrates our County’s cultural diversity through food but also strengthens our commitment to education and workforce development,” said Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council president. “By partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College’s hospitality programs, this event provides students with hands-on experience and direct exposure to industry leaders. It’s an exciting opportunity to foster the next generation of culinary talent.”

Invited vendors include food trucks, caterers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, locally made artisans and food products, event venues and suppliers to the hospitality industry businesses in the County.

“By bringing together industry leaders, local businesses and our community, this showcase highlights the exceptional talent in our region and reinforces Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for culinary innovation. We are proud to lead this initiative that will shape the future of our hospitality sector,” said Kelly Groff, president and CEO of Visit Montgomery.

Sign up to be notified when vendor registration is open.

Sign up to be notified when attendee ticket sales are open.

For sponsorship information, click here.

Fall Is the Right Time to go on a ‘Cider Road Trip’ Throughout the County

Fall is the season of harvest and Visit Montgomery is advocating a celebration via a road trip throughout the County to uncover the gems of its vibrant cider scene. A self-guided journey will be filled with the sweet aromas of ripe apples and the crisp taste of freshly pressed cider.

Awaiting adventurers on a cider road trip are:

• Doc Waters Cidery. 22529 Wildcat Rd., Germantown. Indulge at the crafted ciders at Doc Waters Cidery, a local favorite known for its artisanal approach to cider-making. Nestled in the Agricultural Reserve, this cidery is a haven for cider lovers. Explore its range of meticulously crafted ciders like their award-winning Oak Aged Still Cider or sweet Pink Lady Cider. A cider matching the changing fall season is their Goldrush Cider. This is an unfiltered single varietal cider that is slowly cold fermented to bring out their best flavor. Each cider tells a story of passion and precision. With a commitment to quality, Doc Waters Cidery is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.
• Two Story Chimney Ciderworks. 7115 Damascus Rd., Gaithersburg. Experience the depths of flavor at Two Story Chimney Ciderworks, a cidery in Gaithersburg that elevates the craft to new heights. Tucked away in the county, this cidery offers a diverse range of ciders that are a testament to both tradition and innovation. Try the Crab Tree Semi-Sweet Cider, a mildly sweet cider with a refreshing apple taste, or the seasonal Foraged & Farmed series Fruited Cider. Two Story sources fruit from surrounding farms throughout Maryland. From traditional blends to adventurous infusions, Two Story Chimney Ciderworks promises a unique tasting experience.
• Butler’s Orchard. 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown. Butler’s Orchard in Germantown is a charming farmstead that has been a local favorite for generations. Embrace the rustic atmosphere as you explore the orchards and be sure to stop by their farm market. Butler’s Orchard Farm Market has hard cider in stock from Doc Waters Cidery. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic cider, it also crafts small-batch ciders that capture the essence of their bountiful harvest. Enjoy the rustic charm and the warm hospitality that defines this County treasure.
• Woodburne Creamery at Rock Hill Orchard. 28600 Ridge Rd., Damascus. Rock Hill Orchard is surrounded by rolling hills and rural settings. The family-owned orchard offers a true farm-to-glass experience. Take a stroll through the orchards, handpick your favorite apples, and witness the cider-making process from orchard to bottle. The farm market awaits, where you can savor their local seasonal cider, with a unique blend of flavors that reflect the essence of the season.

From the traditional to the avant-garde, the County’s cider scene is a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the spirit of innovation that defines its craft beverage community.

To find more local craft beverage places, see the Tastemakers Trail.

Sunflowers in McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on River Road Near Poolesville Are in Peak Bloom

The sunflower fields in the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on River Road near Poolesville, which are among Montgomery County’s natural gems, are in full bloom and ready for residents who want to wander through a spectacular experience.

Residents and visitors from far destinations annually make their way to the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments (green-tree reservoirs) that is located at 18600 River Road. The property shares a common boundary with the National Park Service Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the south and borders Seneca Creek State Park on the east. There is no charge to visit the sunflower fields, but parking is limited.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service plants sunflowers each spring on the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area. The primary purpose for planting sunflowers in wildlife management areas is to provide a food source for mourning doves, as well as other wildlife species.

In addition to mourning doves, sunflowers and sunflower seeds are a favorite food source for a host of other songbirds, mammals and pollinators. Sunflowers require pollination by insects, usually bees, to produce a seed crop. In turn, honeybees and many species of native bees, benefit from the abundant nectar and pollen that sunflowers produce.

The many benefits of sunflowers are lost when they are cut or trampled by people. These sunflowers are planted for the benefit of wildlife and regulations prohibit the cutting, destruction or removal of any plants from the areas. The public is welcome to visit, admire and photograph the sunflowers in bloom.

The techniques used to plant the sunflowers, and the sunflower variety planted, may change from year to year, as well as the number of acres planted and their locations. Sunflowers are planted in late April or early May. Weather, seed variety, weed competition, soil conditions and herbivore damage will all impact the time that it takes for the plants to bloom. With favorable conditions, the sunflowers bloom in mid-July.

After the sunflowers are done blooming and seeds are mature, in early to mid-August, strips are mowed through the sunflowers to scatter the seeds on the ground where they are more accessible to mourning doves and other wildlife.

With growing popularity, it is best to visit the sunflower fields on a weekday. If you choose to visit on the weekend, be mindful of traffic getting to the fields.

Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed. Wildlife Management Areas are trash-free. No trash cans are provided. There are no bathroom facilities, no benches and no picnic tables.

The McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area may be accessed any time of day. However, overnight camping is not allowed. There is no fee or permit required to access the property.

To get to the management area from the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112 (Seneca Road). Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 ½ miles. McKee-Beshers will be on the left.

For more information on the wildlife management area, go to https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/publiclands/central/mckeebeshers.aspx.

Join the Final Week of ‘Go MoCo Month’ with More Deals and Discounts

The final week of May as “Go MoCo Month” will be filled with interesting and fun adventures, all of which can be found at MoCo’s Kick Off to Summer Week.

With many events scheduled around Montgomery County on Memorial Day Weekend, Visit Montgomery has many ways for residents to stay close to home, but still get out and about by exploring the County.

Among the incentives and ideas for May 24-31 as part of Go MoCo Month are:

• $5 off Axe Lane Rentals and Climbing Reservations at the Adventure Park Sandy Spring.
• For those who love theatre performances, Olney Theatre Center is offering discounted adult tickets for “Long Way Down” with the use of a code.
• In Germantown, the BlackRock Center for the Arts is having a BOGO deal on tickets to see Ragdolls, an all-female Aerosmith cover band at 8 p.m. on May 25.
• Create a self-itinerary on the Tastemakers Trail and savor a pint on a working horse farm at Waredaca Brewing Company or grab a glass of wine at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards. There are urban breweries including Third Hill Brewing Co in Silver Spring and 7 Locks Brewing Co in Rockville.
• The free annual Hometown Holidays Music Festival will be held May 24-25 at RedGate Park in Rockville.
• Spend Memorial Day Weekend also in remembrance at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg for the “Flags For Our Heroes” ceremony.

Check out Visit Montgomery’s Events Calendar to find more fun events all throughout the County.

Go MoCo Month has a featured app with its “Passports.” Check-in to win the Ultimate Go MoCo Giveaway. It’s valued up to $1,000 and includes a two-night stay at the Bethesda North Marriott, shopping at The Covered Market, dinner at Fogo de Chao and a fun night at Pinstripes. Find more information at VisitMontgomery.com.

Great Adventures Await Close to Home Throughout May by Exploring the Many Sides of the County

Visit Montgomery is encouraging visitors and residents alike to start spring by discovering many adventures that are close to home throughout the County. May will be “Go MoCo Month” and each week local shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions will offer special deals and events.

May in Montgomery will include MoCo Eats Week with special dining deals at many restaurants, discount packages for at hotels for a quick night or two away from home, tickets for 25 percent off for the Olney Theatre Center’s presentation of “Long Way Down” (May 24-June 2), live music at numerous venues and great ideas for gifts (especially for Mother’s Day).

Check-in at participating locations each week, using the Visit MoCo app, for a chance to win the Ultimate Go MoCo Giveaway, valued at $1,000. Search @visitmoco in the app store for a free download.

Find deals and events at www.visitmontgomery.com/go-moco

Visit Montgomery Suggests 24 Great Adventures in 2024 That Are Close to Home

Brimming with must-see museum exhibits, spectacular theater performances, guided tours and adventurous outings, Visit Montgomery is suggesting to County residents that there are all types of activities that can keep enthusiasts busy throughout the year. For 2024, Visit Montgomery has identified 24 County places to explore in the new year.

The list of fun can include the following:

• Glenstone Museum. Visitors to Glenstone experience a curated collection of modern and contemporary art featuring work by renowned artists. Beyond the art, Glenstone boasts expansive outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens and walking trails and a beautiful water garden. Glenstone offers a retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle while inspiring appreciation for culture and the environment.
• DC South Asian Film Festival. The film festival in November shows captivating and creative films from the South Asian subcontinent. From compelling dramas to heartwarming comedies and documentaries that shed light on social issues, the festival offers a captivating cinematic journey.
• Experience a Digital Detox in a Renovated Lockhouse. Once home to the lockkeepers who oversaw the C&O Canal, step back in time and stay overnight at one of seven restored historic lockhouses. Each lockhouse represents a different time period, providing a distinctive and memorable experience. The tranquility of the park at night surrounded by nature, makes the lockhouses an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
• Arts & Entertainment Districts. There are three Maryland-designated Arts & Entertainment districts in the County: Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Each district offers a wide range of arts and humanities organizations, popular arts venues, festivals and entertainment businesses. Attend an Art Walk in Bethesda to view a local exhibit, meet the artist and enjoy complimentary refreshments with other art enthusiasts. Rock out to top-tier performances at the Fillmore or catch the latest independent film at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring. Wheaton embraces its diverse community and local artists with its annual Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival in fall.
• Spend the Evening on the Farm. Head to the farm for an elevated experience like no other during a Calleva Dirty Dinner. Enjoy local wine and a beautifully plated farm-to-table meal, accompanied by live music, wagon rides and a late-night campfire. For a more casual meal, take pizza night to the next level at Fridays on the Farm.
• Spend the Day at the Agricultural History Farm Park. Explore the scenic 455-acre park with rolling hills and farm animals. Learn about what the Agricultural Reserve is and how it is vital to Montgomery County. Bask in agricultural history in the heirloom garden and learn about old farming tools and tractors. In October, go to the Harvest Festival where both children and adults can have a fun time enjoying the park. It’s open every day from 6 a.m-6 p.m.
• Drink in the Views at Windridge Vineyards. Sip locally made wines with panoramic views at Windridge Vineyards. Visit the tasting room with a 360-degree bar overlooking the countryside to learn about their carefully selected wines based on the unique geology and microclimates of the vineyards.
• Learn About Lincoln’s Death Bullet at the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Discover the bullet that killed President Abraham Lincoln. While there, learn about how different medicines and tools were used in the Civil War. See how military medicine has progressed from over 150 years. The museum is free and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday.
• Underground Railroad Immersion Experience at Button Farm Living History Center. Participate in simulated journeys depicting plantation life and the Underground Railroad. The Button Farm is Maryland’s only living history center that shows 19th Century plantation life. In spring, the farm hosts events and programs on the weekend by appointment.
• Brighton Dam’s Azalea Garden. A hidden gem, the azalea garden is a botanical haven, showcasing a stunning array of azaleas in various hues. During the blooming season, the garden transforms into a vibrant canvas of colors, creating a breathtaking scene for visitors. The garden serves as a venue for community events such as garden tours, plant sales and nature walks.
• Take a Spin on the Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park. Enjoy a vintage carousel at Glen Echo Park. The Dentzel Carousel is more than 100 years old and features seven types of animals as a “menagerie carousel.” Picnic tables are available for an outdoor lunch before exploring the rest of the park. It’s open daily from May through September.
• Latin American Film Festival at AFI. The LAFF at the AFI Silver Theater & Cultural Center in October brings rich and diverse Latin American cinema to the big screen. Hundreds of films are shown throughout the festival and shed insight into the history, social issues and cultural nuances of Latin American countries through the lens of talented filmmakers. Attend a post-show after-party or Q and A with the filmmaker or actors.
• Step Back in Time at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Explore the history of area electric streetcars. Look at different styles and colors of streetcars. Learn about railway operations and how they have expanded to today. Ride on a vintage streetcar on a two-mile track on Saturdays.
• Hit the Books at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Attend one of the nation’s top literary events in May. It has become a popular event since 2010, attracting hundreds of award-winning authors, bestselling authors, poets and songwriters. Strengthen your writing skills at a writing workshop or enter your best haiku in the poetry contest. The festival and programs is free.
• Try Yurt Camping at Little Bennett Regional Park. Camp in yurts with full amenities at Little Bennett Campground. Have the ultimate getaway and enjoy miles of hiking and biking on trails on more than 3,700 acres of forest. Guests have the option to stay in a cabin, their own RV or at one of their wooded campsites. The campground also has monthly events to keep families and friends entertained for their stay.
• Explore Cherry Blossoms Throughout the Area. Begin a journey in Kenwood, where more than 1,200 trees line the neighborhood, bearing hundreds of thousands of beautiful, tiny pink and white flowers that bloom during in spring. Enjoy a picnic under a Yoshino cherry tree with a view of Glenview Mansion at the Civic Center Park in Rockville. There is also a gorgeous cluster of Kwanzan cherry trees that line the driveway when you arrive at the park. At Brookside Gardens, find 26 cherry trees that are found in the Gude Garden along the HeartSmart Trail and additional trees near the Conservatory.
• Explore Josiah Henson Museum and Park. Built on the former plantation where Reverand Henson was enslaved, the Josiah Henson Museum and Park illustrates his life as an author, abolitionist and minister through multimedia exhibits located throughout the museum and grounds. The park is part of the National Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program and is an active archaeological dig site. Admission is $5 and guests can visit the museum Friday through Sunday.
• Spend the Day on the Lakefront at rio. Explore the shops at rio to find your next favorite outfit or a locally made gift. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and grab a meal with lakefront views. Have fun at Dave and Busters or attend the many local markets and festivals.
• Visit Breweries and Wineries Along the Tastemakers Trail. With so many Tastemaker experiences, it is easy to create a beverage-centric weekend in Montgomery County. Sip and savor your way around farm-chic tasting rooms and sophisticated urban wineries. Enjoy a pint or two overlooking the rolling hills of the 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve or create-your-own urban brewery walking tour in Silver Spring.
• See a show at Round House Theatre. Catch a live performance at Round House Theatre, where its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is reflected in their selection of performances. Enjoy locally sourced bites and signature cocktails from a menu specially tailored to fit the theme of each show.
• Embrace the beauty of the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area. Walk through massive sunflower fields in Poolesville. Five fields of sunflowers are planted by hand each spring to help feed the wildlife and keep the ecosystem teeming with animal and plant life. Peak bloom normally happens in July, check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for more information about bloom.
• Catch a Performance at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. Enjoy musicals, operas and ballets at a vibrant local theater. The theater holds more than 100 shows annually. Experience the Rockville Civic Ballet or be moved to tears while hearing the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. This theater boasts 428 seats and is dedicated to the performing arts.
• Go on an aerial adventure at Adventure Park Sandy Spring. For the adventurous type, the Adventure Park features 16 different aerial forest adventures. Each trail has zip lines, but primarily consists of bridges between tree platforms made of rope, cable and wood configurations, creating more than190 unique challenges. Head out for a night climb when the park is illuminated with strings of twinkling lights.
• Self-Guided Global Food Tour. The diversity of communities living in Montgomery County gives multiple delicious food options for visitors including Asian, Jamaican, Italian, French and American cuisines. Some restaurants use locally sourced produce and baked goods from producers and farmers. With a range from mom-and-pop spots to luxurious dining experiences, the options are endless.

Sunflower Field and Stars of Nature in Peak Form at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on River Road

A spectacle of nature in Montgomery County is nearing its summer peak as the vast sunflower fields of the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on River Road in Potomac is showing off its best right now. There is no fee or permit required to access the property.

The 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments (green-tree reservoirs). The property shares a common boundary with the National Park Service Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the south and borders Seneca Creek State Park on the east.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife and Heritage Service plants sunflowers each spring on the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area. The primary purpose for planting sunflowers on wildlife management areas is to provide a food source for mourning doves, as well as other wildlife species.

In addition to mourning doves, sunflowers and sunflower seeds are a favorite food source for a host of other songbirds, mammals and pollinators. Sunflowers require pollination by insects, usually bees, to produce a seed crop. In turn, honey bees and many species of native bees, benefit from the abundant nectar and pollen that sunflowers produce.

The many benefits of sunflowers are lost when they are cut or trampled by people. These sunflowers are planted for the benefit of wildlife and regulations prohibit the cutting, destruction or removal of any plants from these areas. The public is welcome to visit, admire and photograph the sunflowers in bloom. However, visitors must be responsible and ensure that their actions do not have negative consequences.

The techniques used to plant the sunflowers, and the sunflower variety planted, may change from year to year, as well as the number of acres planted and their locations. Sunflowers are planted in late April or early May. Weather, seed variety, weed competition, soil condition and herbivore damage all impact the time that it takes for the plants to bloom. 

After the sunflowers are done blooming and seeds are mature, in early to mid-August, strips are mowed through the sunflowers to scatter the seeds on the ground where they are more accessible to mourning doves and other wildlife.

With its ever-growing popularity, it’s best to visit the sunflower fields on a week day. If you choose to visit on the weekend, be mindful of traffic getting to the fields.

Area regulations to protect the sunflower fields:

• Destruction or removal of any plants (including sunflowers) is strictly prohibited.
• Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas.
• Do not block gates. Violators may be towed and ticketed.
• Driving is only allowed on main roads (River Road, Hunting Quarter Road and Sycamore Landing Road). Only authorized or emergency vehicles allowed behind gates.
• Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.
• Wildlife Management Areas are trash-free. No trash cans are provided. Take all trash with you.
• Directions to the Sunflower Fields:

The McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area may be accessed any time of day with no overnight camping allowed.

• From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac.
• Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112 (Seneca Road).
• Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers will be on the left as you head west on River Road.
• Download the Map here

Tips for a successful visit to the sunflower fields:

• There are no bathroom facilities, no benches and no picnic tables. Plan accordingly.
• The sunflower fields are home to ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy. Long pants and shoes are recommended.
• Each field hits peak bloom at slightly different times.

Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources site for more information and updates on the sunflowers’ progress.

‘MoCo Eats Week’ Continues Series of Special Weeks During Visit Montgomery’s ‘Discover MoCo Month’

“Discover MoCo Month” special week-long programs in May sponsored by Visit Montgomery to celebrate the County’s small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit are continuing. Throughout the month, visitors and local residents will be able to access deals, discounts and special events at a selection of the County’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail businesses and craft beverage producers. “MoCo Eats Week” is continuing this weekend.

More about MoCo Eats Week, including information about participating restaurants, is available at https://visitmontgomery.com/moco-eats/restaurant-week/.

Discover MoCo Month is the single largest initiative ever developed by Visit Montgomery for Montgomery County’s hospitality and tourism industry. Visit Montgomery is the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery County.

The weeks of special deals, packages and experiences during Discover MoCo Month will feature:

• MoCo Eats Week: May 14-20. Visit Montgomery’s Third Annual “MoCo Eats Week,” the County’s only countywide restaurant week, will celebrate the County’s diversity through cuisine.
• MoCo’s Kick Off to Summer Week: May 21-31. The week will feature unique attractions, experiences, performance venues and museums to encourage visitation to the County all summer.

In addition, craft beverage producers on Visit Montgomery’s Tastemakers Trail will be celebrated throughout all of Discover MoCo Month.

Consumers can enter to win up to $2,000 in giveaways by checking-in at participating locations during Discover MoCo Month using weekly digital passports within the Visit MoCo Adventure Planner app.

For more information on Discover Moco Month and Visit Montgomery activities, go to https://visitmontgomery.com/discover-moco-month/.

Special Weeks Highlight Visit Montgomery’s ‘Discover MoCo Month’

“Discover MoCo Month” in May are a collection of week-long programs sponsored by Visit Montgomery to celebrate the County’s small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the month, visitors and local residents will be able to access deals, discounts and special events at a selection of the County’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail businesses and craft beverage producers.

Discover MoCo Month is the single largest initiative ever developed by Visit Montgomery for Montgomery County’s hospitality and tourism industry. Visit Montgomery is the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery County.

The weeks of special deals, packages and experiences during Discover MoCo Month will feature:

• MoCo Hotel Week: May 7-13. Spring and summer visitation to Montgomery County will be encouraged through special hotel packages booked during MoCo Hotel Week, with travel through August 2023.
• MoCo Eats Week: May 14-20. Visit Montgomery’s Third Annual “MoCo Eats Week,” the County’s only countywide restaurant week, will celebrate the County’s diversity through cuisine.
• MoCo’s Kick Off to Summer Week: May 21-31. The week will feature unique attractions, experiences, performance venues and museums to encourage visitation to the County all summer.

In addition, craft beverage producers on Visit Montgomery’s Tastemakers Trail will be celebrated throughout all of Discover MoCo Month.

Consumers can enter to win up to $2,000 in giveaways by checking-in at participating locations during Discover MoCo Month using weekly digital passports within the Visit MoCo Adventure Planner app.

For more information on Discover Moco Month and Visit Montgomery activities, go to https://visitmontgomery.com/discover-moco-month/.

Four Special Weeks in May Will Highlight Visit Montgomery’s ‘Discover MoCo Month’

“Discover MoCo Month” in May will be a collection of week-long programs sponsored by Visit Montgomery to celebrate the County’s small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the month, visitors and local residents will be able to access deals, discounts and special events at a selection of the County’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail businesses and craft beverage producers.

Discover MoCo Month will be the single largest initiative ever developed by Visit Montgomery for Montgomery County’s hospitality and tourism industry. Visit Montgomery is the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery County.

The four weeks of special deals, packages and experiences during Discover MoCo Month will feature:

• Shop MoCo Week: April 30-May 6. Will encourage shopping local at boutique shops and small businesses unique to the County.
• MoCo Hotel Week: May 7-13. Spring and summer visitation to Montgomery County will be encouraged through special hotel packages booked during MoCo Hotel Week, with travel through August 2023.
• MoCo Eats Week: May 14-20. Visit Montgomery’s Third Annual “MoCo Eats Week,” the County’s only countywide restaurant week, will celebrate the County’s diversity through cuisine.
• MoCo’s Kick Off to Summer Week: May 21-31. The week will feature unique attractions, experiences, performance venues and museums to encourage visitation to the County all summer.

In addition, craft beverage producers on Visit Montgomery’s Tastemakers Trail will be celebrated throughout all of Discover MoCo Month.

Consumers can enter to win up to $2,000 in giveaways by checking-in at participating locations during Discover MoCo Month using weekly digital passports within the Visit MoCo Adventure Planner app.

For more information on Discover Moco Month and Visit Montgomery activities, go to Explore Montgomery County, Maryland | Visit Mongtomery, MD (visitmontgomery.com).

‘MoCo Eats Week’ Continues Through Saturday, April 30, Providing Incentive to Visit Favorite Restaurants and Explore New Ones

“MoCo Eats Week,” which has already been an opportunity to visit favorite restaurants throughout Montgomery County and incentive to try new ones, will continue through Saturday, April 30. The special week of food, which is hosted by Visit Montgomery, includes a chance to win the “Ultimate Foodie Giveaway” valued at $1,000.

There are special deals at nearly 80 participating restaurants as the special week is focused on supporting food and beverage businesses of all sizes.

A digital passport is available for download to browse restaurants, map out a personalized food tour and to check-in at participating locations to be entered for a chance to win the Ultimate Foodie Giveaway.

More information about MoCo Eats Week and the restaurants participating is available at MoCoEats.com.

County to Host PGA Wells Fargo Championship May 5-8 at TPC Potomac at Avenel and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship June 23-26 at Congressional

Men’s and women’s professional golf will be returning to the Greater Washington area for the first time in three years with the PGA Wells Fargo Championship to be held May 5-8, at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda from June 23-26.

The region has not hosted a professional golf tournament since the 2018 PGA Quicken Loans National was held at TPC Potomac. After this year, the Wells Fargo Championship will return to its home base at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C. Quail Hollow is hosting the Presidents Cup in September (following a postponement in 2021 because of the pandemic), compelling the PGA Tour to find an alternate site.

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, who finished second in the Masters last week, is the defending Wells Fargo champion and is expected to compete in this year’s tournament. Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda, the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner, is expected to defend her title in June.

Both tournaments are expected to be big boosts to the Montgomery County economy.

“Montgomery County is proud to be hosting the Wells Fargo Championship in May, the KPMG Women’s Championship in June this year and is scheduled to be a host of national tournaments for years to come,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Montgomery County’s golf courses attract players from throughout the region annually, and our economy will clearly benefit from these tournaments being hosted in the County.”

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Visit Montgomery, the Maryland Sports Commission and the Maryland Department of Commerce commissioned an economic impact assessment of hosting a professional golf tournament in the County, with a focus on the Wells Fargo Championship. Sage Policy Group, Inc. did the assessment.

The analysis projected that the 2022 Wells Fargo Championship will generate nearly $30 million overall in economic activity to the Maryland economy, with more than $17 million in visitor spending to Montgomery County, that would not have occurred without the tournament. Statewide, the Wells Fargo Championship is expected to support 249 jobs, more than $10 million in associated labor income, approximately $175,000 in local tax revenues and $1.6 million in income and sales tax revenues for the State of Maryland.

“Not only will the country be watching some of the leading men and women golfers play locally here, but we will also be able to introduce Montgomery County to the world, especially with such expected international fields of players in both tournaments,” said County Council President Gabe Albornoz.

The 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the first of eight professional and amateur championship tournaments that the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America has committed to Congressional Country Club over the next 15 years. The other championship tournaments include the 2024 Junior PGA Championship, the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the 2027 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the 2029 PGA Professional Championship, the 2031 PGA Championship, the 2033 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and the 2037 Ryder Cup.

"After a three-year absence and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the appetite for a return of professional golf to the region is very strong,” said Benjamin H. Wu, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “It’s highly unusual for there to be such a concentration of the world’s best golfing talent in one area in a span of just a few weeks. With two championship tournaments this year, and the PGA’s commitment through the next 15 years, golf will provide Montgomery County with a robust economic contribution through at least 2037.”

Visit Montgomery’ Receives Two Tourism Awards at 40th Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit

Visit Montgomery President & CEO Kelly Groff, Director of Marketing Cory Van Horn and
Marketing Manager Leticia Engel at the Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS).

“Visit Montgomery,” the official destination marketing organization for Montgomery County, received two tourism achievement awards during the recent 40th Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS) in Hanover. The awards were in the categories of “Leveraging Partnerships” from the Maryland Office of Tourism and “Collaborative Partnership” from the Maryland Tourism Coalition.

The Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit is Maryland’s annual tourism industry conference that brings together all sectors of the hospitality industry to advance Maryland’s Tourism industry.

“Our hotels, restaurants, theaters and event spaces have been among the worst hit businesses during the pandemic,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I applaud the award-winning, innovative approaches and partnerships by Visit Montgomery to generate interest and draw visitors to Montgomery County. For our County to quickly rebound from the economic impacts of the pandemic, we are thankful for the creative ingenuity from Visit Montgomery and our tourism industry.”

The awards presented to Visit Montgomery were:

• Maryland Tourism & Tourism Summit Awards: Collaborative Partnership Presented by the Maryland Tourism Coalition
• Destination Maryland Tourism Awards: Leveraging Partnerships Presented by the Maryland Office of Tourism of the Maryland Department of Commerce

“We are honored to be recognized by our industry colleagues during the Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit,” said Visit Montgomery President and CEO Kelly Groff. “Collaboration and partnerships are deeply rooted in Visit Montgomery’s organizational culture. We all thrive when we work together,”

For the past two years, Visit Montgomery led a collaborative marketing committee in partnership with Allegany, Washington and Frederick counties to create a distinctive tourism brand and promotional program that encourages residents and visitors to explore the 184.5-mile C&O Canal National Historical Park, surrounding communities, attractions and small businesses. The committee also worked closely with the C&O Canal Trust, National Park Service, Maryland Office of Tourism and local partners.

“The C&O Canal Experience provides a unified marketing strategy, branding and communications plan that connects partners and assets located across the C&O Canal region,” said Visit Montgomery Director of Marketing Cory Van Horn. “The objective of the marketing committee was to drive economic growth to local communities and revenue with overnight stays while promoting a message that celebrated the region’s distinctive National Park Service tourism assets and outdoor experiences.”

The marketing partnership resulted in new tourism experiences such as the C&O Canal Libations Trail, more than 30 media articles, several hosted media visits including a virtual group media event and an increase in visitation. The efforts contributed to the C&O Canal National Historical Park becoming the eighth most-visited U.S. national park during 2020. It previously ranked No. 12.

According to a visitation study commissioned by the Maryland Office of Tourism and conducted by Rockport Analytics, the C&O Canal National Historical Park welcomed 5.1 million visitors in 2019. Of this total, an estimated 25 percent (1.31 million) traveled from outside the immediate area for more than 50 miles.

The visits generated an annual average of $309 million in visitor spending and $254 million in total economic contribution. The Montgomery County section of the park and surrounding communities received 43.7 percent of the visits with Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg and Poolesville as the top visited communities.

Montgomery County is home to three National Park Service sites including the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the Clara Barton National Historic Site and Glen Echo Park.

National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville Now Open on Saturdays for Guided Tours and Streetcar Rides

 

The National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville is now open Saturdays for hourly docent-guided tours followed by a ride around the park on a historic streetcar.

The collection of restored trolley cars includes ones from the former DC, Transit System, the Washington Railway and Electric Company, the Capital Transit Company and from former lines in New York City and Philadelphia. The international section includes cars from The Netherlands and Toronto.

The Trolley Museum is located at 1313 Bonifant Rd. in Colesville. The museum’s main phone number is 301-384-6088.

The museum is currently open only on Saturdays (until further notice) from noon to 5 p.m. with limited admissions. Hourly docent-guided tours are given starting at noon through 4 p.m. They are followed by a streetcar ride.

Reservations through electronic ticketing are strongly recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available.

Click here for information about reservations and tickets to visit the Museum and ride the streetcars.

The museum is supported in part by funding from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, Montgomery County Government, and Heritage Montgomery and by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

  

‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast Highlights Best Places to Visit in Montgomery County

What are the best places to visit in Montgomery County? In the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast, Kelly Groff, president and CEO of Visit Montgomery, shares a list of some of the County’s most interesting destinations. Some are well-known to people who live in the County—and to visitors who travel a long way to see them. Others are hidden gems.

Places discussed in the podcast include local attractions such as Brookside Gardens in Wheaton and Glen Echo Park. Listeners also will want to hear more about National Capital Area Trolley Museum in Silver Spring and the newly opened Josiah Henson Museum in Bethesda.

Ms. Groff also talks about her role leading the efforts of Visit Montgomery, the destination marketing organization for Montgomery County and the three new initiatives that Visit Montgomery recently launched. More information about Visit Montgomery is available at its website at https://visitmontgomery.com.

The new episode is now available.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

More Than 50 Restaurants Will Participate in MoCo Eats Week from April 23-May 3—the First-Ever Countywide Week to Eat Out

The COVID-19 health crisis has made the past 13 months difficult for residents and businesses of all kinds in Montgomery County. Particularly impacted have been the County’s restaurants. Now, as more people become vaccinated and restrictions are eased, Visit Montgomery and the County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services are unveiling the MoCo Eats Week campaign that will be Montgomery County’s first-ever countywide restaurant week.

More than 50 restaurants around the County are participating in MoCo Eats Week, a special restaurant week starting Friday, April 23, and running through Monday, May 3. The event is being organized to allow diners to enjoy food and drinks at discounted prices. It is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the diverse culinary scene in the County. For restaurants, it will be a way to encourage old customers to return to their favorite places and to introduce themselves to new customers enticed by the campaign.

The event is not a typical restaurant week in the kind that participating restaurants are in limited areas or with strict instructions on how meals must be offered. MoCo Eats Week is open to all restaurants, as well as craft beverage producers and local food producers.

The details of MoCo Eats Week include:

• Businesses pick their own deals or discounts. They can offer both dine-in and carry-out options.
• Participants will be listed in the Digital Savings Pass, where consumers can check-in to their location to redeem deals.
• Self-guided itineraries will be available to suggest clusters of deals throughout the county.
• In-person and virtual events will be held all week long. Businesses can host an event during the week or submit pre-recorded events. (These can be cooking or cocktail-making segments, history happy hours, tastings or other creative offerings.)

Diners supporting the participating restaurants can win gift cards or one of six staycation overnight packages. Details about restaurant week giveaways and how to sign up for a digital savings pass are available at https://visitmontgomery.com/moco-eats/restaurant-week-giveaways/.

More information on MoCo Eats Week is available at visitmontgomery.com/moco-eats/restaurant-week/.

Three Historic Carousels Ready for Family Fun in Montgomery County

The Carousel at Rio at top, Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel in middle,
Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park at the bottom

Carousels are timeless, family-fun adventures that get more intriguing with as they age. Montgomery County has three historic carousels—two that are more than 100 years old—and they are ready as the spring warm weather has returned.

The older the carousel, the more likely its vital parts have been restored and have become repainted works of art to make the rides even more memorable. Although the COVID-19 health crisis closed down many things over the past year, including the operation of carousels, the three Montgomery carousels are ready for riders of all ages.

Montgomery County’s carousels are the Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park, the Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel in Wheaton and the Carousel at Rio in Gaithersburg. The Visit Montgomery organization recommends finding time to ride at least one—if not all three—this year. Each provides unique photo opportunities that will become classic memories.

Operating hours, mask requirements and capacity restrictions may vary. Be sure to consult the specific carousel’s website before visiting.

Some details and history of each:

Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park / 7300 Macarthur Blvd./ Glen Echo

Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2021 and considered one of the most beautiful carousels in the United States, the Glen Echo Park ride was installed in 1921 by the Dentzel Carousel Company of Germantown, Pa. The carousel is one of only 135 functioning antique carousels in the country and one of the few still in its original location. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Known as a “menagerie carousel” because of the variety of its animals, the Glen Echo Park carousel includes 40 horses, four rabbits, four ostriches, a giraffe, a deer, a lion and a tiger. It also features two circus chariots. With its playful animals and striking ornamentation, the carousel has been an iconic symbol of the historic park’s past as an amusement park and its evolution into the current arts and cultural center.

The carousel is expected to reopen for the summer season in May 2021. A virtual tour of the carousel with a National Park Service ranger is now viewable.

Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel / 2002 Shorefield Road / Wheaton

Constructed in 1915, the Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel in Wheaton Regional Park celebrated its 105th birthday in 2020. It features 33 jumping horses, three zebras and two chariots. Before moving to Montgomery County, it served as the Smithsonian Carousel on the National Mall from 1967 until 1981.

The hand-carved works of art are now open for the season. They also are nearby the Wheaton Miniature Train in Wheaton Regional Park.

The Carousel at Rio / 136 Boardwalk Pl. / Gaithersburg

The Carousel at Rio is presented by Adventist HealthCare’s Shady Grove Medical Center. The Americana-themed, classic carousel features 30 Allan Herschell-style dancing horses, whimsical creatures and two chariots. It has capacity for up to 38 adults and 30 children passengers, with wheelchair access and chariot wheelchair positions. It is located next to the playground at Rio and features expansive views of the lakefront.

For more ideas on how to have fun in Montgomery County, go to https://visitmontgomery.com.